Golf in Bordeaux means golf among the greatest vineyards on earth. The Gironde holds a heathland course rated among the best in continental Europe, a Tom Doak design out in the wine country, links in the Atlantic pines and gentle parkland by the chateaux. Here are the eight we rate most highly, ranked, with our verdict on each.
Photograph: Golf du Medoc Resort, via Google
Bordeaux is not a course factory like the Algarve or the Costa del Sol, but the quality at the top is high and the variety is unusual. The sandy heath north of the city produces firm, links like golf, the Atlantic forest gives quiet, isolated holes in the pines, and the wine country to the east now has a modern design from one of the world's most admired architects. Add gentle parkland among the chateaux and you have a region that rewards a golfer who also loves food and wine.
Every fact here, from designers and opening years to rankings, was checked at the time of writing against the clubs and recognized sources. The verdicts and the order are our editors' view rather than any single published list, so reasonable people will reorder the top three. A Bordeaux trip is as much about the cellars as the courses, and that is its appeal. If you want any of these built into a costed itinerary with the wine and the lodging planned around the tee times, that is exactly what our concierge does.
The best course in the region and a fixture among the top 100 in continental Europe. Bill Coore laid out Les Chateaux in 1989 on sandy heath north of the city, a links inspired design of wide fairways bordered by heather, gorse and broom that plays firm and fast. Now part of Cabot Bordeaux, with a resort hotel on site, it is the championship round of the Gironde and the natural anchor for a Medoc golf trip.
The most exciting modern course in the southwest, and the only Tom Doak design in France. Opened in 2016 in the rolling country near the wine town of Saint-Emilion, it has the natural, minimalist shaping, firm turf and clever angles that have made Doak one of the most admired architects in the game. Quietly brilliant and a thrill for keen golfers, it pairs a great round with a tasting in one of the world's most famous wine villages.
The second course at Golf du Medoc, a Rod Whitman design from 1991 that runs through woodland and water, more parkland in character than its heathland sibling and a fine complement to it. For a trip based at the resort it gives a second day of championship quality golf without leaving the property, and the contrast between the two courses, open links and tree lined parkland, makes for a varied and satisfying stay.
An enchanting eighteen set deep in the pine forest of the Medoc within earshot of the Atlantic, the holes rising and falling over sandy soil in near isolation from one another. It is a peaceful, natural round on free draining ground that plays well year round, and the surf town of Lacanau Ocean adds a relaxed seaside base. A lovely change of scene from the city courses and a fine partner to a beach and golf trip.
A varied 27 hole complex near Arcachon Bay that has been likened to Florida golf, with water, sandy waste and a diverse set of holes shaped to the landscape. It is enjoyable, scenic and flexible for a group, and it sits beside one of the most charming corners of the coast, the oyster ports and dunes of the Bassin d'Arcachon. Pair it with the beach and the bay for a relaxed southwest trip.
Golf in the heart of the Medoc, stretching across forest and lakes among the great Margaux vineyards with views to the Gironde estuary. The course is gentle and scenic rather than a brutal test, exactly right for a trip where the chateaux and the tastings share top billing with the golf. Base here and you can play in the morning and tour the first growths in the afternoon, the essence of a Bordeaux golf and wine trip.
One of the oldest clubs in the region, a characterful parkland course tucked into the hills of the Cauderan district within the city of Bordeaux itself. It is tight, mature and tree lined, a real members club with history and atmosphere, and its location makes it the most convenient round of all for a city based trip. A charming, old fashioned course and a pleasant contrast to the modern resorts.
A flexible 27 hole layout in the Graves country on the southern edge of Bordeaux, woodland and water giving three nine hole loops that suit a group or a quick round close to the city and the airport. It is a solid, enjoyable course rather than a championship test, and its location among the Graves vineyards makes it an easy and convenient add to a wine focused trip. Practical, central and good value.
Designers, opening years and rankings verified June 2026. Most welcome visitor play; Golf du Medoc and several others offer resort or package golf. Green fees and tee sheets vary by season. Always confirm access and fees directly before booking. Check tee time availability.
Tell us which of these are on your list, the heathland of the Medoc, Doak's course in the wine country or golf among the great chateaux, and roughly when. One concierge arranges the tee times, the cellar visits and a base and costs the trip to the head, with no obligation.
Golf du Medoc, and specifically Les Chateaux, is our pick and is ranked among the 100 best courses in continental Europe. A Bill Coore design from 1989 in the heathland and gorse north of the city, now part of Cabot Bordeaux, it is the championship round of the region. Tom Doak's Grand Saint-Emilionnais in the wine country to the east is the most exciting newer alternative.
Spring and autumn, roughly April to June and September to October, are the prime windows, with warm, settled weather, the vineyards at their most beautiful and the courses in good order. Summer is hot but playable, and the maritime climate keeps winters mild enough for year round golf, with the forest and links courses draining well.
Yes, and it is the whole point of a Bordeaux golf trip. Courses such as Margaux and Grand Saint-Emilionnais sit among the great vineyards, and a trip can pair morning golf with afternoon chateau visits and tastings in the Medoc, Saint-Emilion and Graves. Our concierge plans the golf and the wine together so the days balance.
Golf du Medoc, with its resort hotel north of the city, is the natural base and central to the Medoc courses. The city of Bordeaux itself puts the airport, the restaurants and the river within reach of most courses, while a wine led trip might split between the Medoc and Saint-Emilion. Our concierge plans the routing around your tee times.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Course designers, opening years and rankings verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.